ESS-Bilbao Initiative Workshop Conclussions. LINAC Parameters (V)

Pulse length
The originally proposed pulse length of 2 ms has been reduced to 1.5 ms. A value that is preferred by the neutron instruments and which also eases the design effort for the klystron modulators. Even shorter pulse lengths would yield an increase in beam current (in order to keep the final beam power constant), and are therefore not advisable.

ESS-Bilbao Initiative Workshop Conclussions. LINAC Parameters (IV)

Repetition rate

The originally proposed repetition rate of 16.67 Hz has been increased to 20 Hz, since there is no longer a need to operate the accelerator at 1/3 of 50 Hz. 20 Hz is acceptable for the user community and the increase from 16.7 to 20 Hz is used in the linac design to keep the average pulse current low. It also allows avoiding possible problems related to operation at 1/3 of the grid power frequency.

ESS-Bilbao Initiative Workshop Conclussions. LINAC Parameters (III)

Increase of beam energy

By increasing the cavity gradient and keeping the length of the superconducting linac constant, the final energy of the linac is changed accordingly. The final energy was increased from 1 to 2.2 GeV. According to discussions with the target community any energy between 1 and 3 GeV does not compromise on the neutron production yield (neutrons per W of proton beam), as long as the pulse length, beam power, and rep rate do not change drastically. An increase in beam power entails a change in the final beam focusing system onto the target. ESS-Bilbao recommens to study the layout of this beam shaping system, which uses non-linear lenses to obtain a parabolic distribution on the target window. Alternatively an active beam painting scheme should be considered as it is used at SNS.

ESS-Bilbao Initiative Workshop Conclussions. LINAC Parameters (II)

Increase of the cavity gradient

The maximum cavity gradient is given by the maximum peak power that can be fed to the cavity via the power coupler. For a 5-cell 704 MHz cavity, a peak current of 150 mA thus results in a very modest gradient of 7.5 MV/m. By decreasing the current to 75 mA, the gradient can be raised to 15 MV/m, keeping the coupler power constant at 1.2 MW. This means that a reduction in current allows an increase of gradient, which results in an increased linac energy, while keeping the linac length unchanged. 15 MV/m is still considered as a conservative gradient, which can be achieved without a major R&D effort into the technology of superconducting cavities.

ESS-Bilbao Initiative Workshop Conclussions. LINAC Parameters (I)

Increase in energy

With increased energy the average pulse current can be reduced by the same factor. Lower current reduces the space charge forces within the beam, which is especially important at low energies, where space charge forces are most prominent and where the beam quality for the whole linac is defined. At 150 mA a beam funnel is likely to be necessary to combine the beam from 2 frontends, which each operate at lower current to achieve low beam emittances for the linac. Beam funneling itself has been demonstrated in a proof of principle experiment (only one leg of a funnel was tested) but was never used in any accelerator for routine operation. Choosing a lower current for the overall linac design removes the need for a low energy funnel, it will reduce the commissioning time for the linac and it also reduces considerably the risk of beam loss along the linac. Keeping the losses at a level of 1 W/m along the accelerator is considered as crucial to maintain hands-on-maintenance of the accelerator components. Choosing 75-mA also allows easier upgradeability of the machine, since 100-mA proton source was already proven to be reliable.

ESS-BIlbao Initiative Workshop Conclussions.

The strategy of building a multi MW, accelerator based spallation neutron source as the next generation neutron facility for Europe has been validated by the successful commissioning and operation of the SNS in the US (now operating close to 1 MW beam power) and the JPARC facility in Japan. However, since the original baseline design of ESS was completed in 2002, the underlying technology has advanced and some considerable experience has been gathered from these new facilities. Hence as Europe prepares for the construction of ESS, the time is ripe to learn from ongoing experience and define the development areas which would allow the ESS to take the most advantage from recent advances in technology while maintaining a reliable, low risk, design.

The goal of the ESS-Bilbao Initiative Workshop, organized by the ESS-Bilbao consortium, was to assess the current challenges facing multi-MW spallation sources and, taking into account synergies with other international projects of a similar nature, outline a road map for a collaborative Research and Development program that would enable Europe to meet these challenges for the timely construction of ESS.

The workshop, which took place the 16 – 18 March in Bilbao brought together more than 160 experts from across the world, leaders in the fields of high power proton accelerators, beam dynamics and targets, in a format and infrastructure that promoted open discussion, while maintaining the focus of documenting clear recommendations for future collaborative R&D efforts. Now we present the conclussions.

ESS-BIlbao Initiative Workshop Conclussions. Tentative parameters for the ESS LINAC.

The values in the table are proposed as the basis for a feasibility assessment of the ESS linac components in the following sections. In comparison to the originally proposed design (5 MW, 1 GeV, 150 mA, 16.7 Hz) the parameters have been modified in order to simplify the linac design and to increase reliability. In essence the current has been decreased and the final energy has been increased, keeping the footprint of the accelerator the same. It should be stressed that all the linac components are essentially the same, whether the linac delivers lower energy beams with higher beam currents, or higher energy beams with lower beam current. However, as will be explained in the following the latter option can considerably ease the demands on beam physics and contribute to more reliable accelerator design.

Nature and enviroment in the Basque Country. (Part II)

Wealth of flora and fauna

Due to the strategic biogeographical position of the Basque Country, placed between the Eurosiberian and Mediterranean systems, the climatic gradient that runs from the coast towards the interior, together with differences in altitude of more than 1000 m, there is a great wealth of flora and fauna. In this way, more than 3000 species of plants and almost 40 invertebrates live in the extensive network of natural spaces in the Basque Country, a land where nature coexists in harmony with human beings.

Environmental management

Through the Environment and Territorial Planning Department, the public administration of the Basque Country develops and manages one of the most advanced environmental protection and conservation policies in Europe. Based on a strategy of long-term sustainable development (2002-2020 Basque Sustainable Development Strategy) the struggle against climate change, the preservation of biodiversity and the prevention and control of contamination, are just a few of its areas of activity. There is a specific action plan for each area (2007-2010 Basque Plan to Fight against Climate Change; 2009-2014 Biodiversity Strategy; etc.), which aim to achieve continuous environmental improvement. The development of these policies has been strengthened through the firm support given to environmental R&D&I over recent years in the Basque Country. The BC3 (Basque Centre for Climate Change), the CIC energyGUNE (Cooperative Research Centre in Renewable Energies), the Torre Madariaga Biodiversity Observatory Unit and the Environmental Economics Unit (University of the Basque Country) are a few of the research centres whose work helps to raise an awareness of environmental problems and more efficient solutions to help in their eradication.

Nature and enviroment in the Basque Country. (Part I)

Broad plains, mountain ranges, green woods, spectacular cliffs, abundant wetlands and marshes and relaxing beaches. Lovers of natural spaces have a great deal to discover in the Basque Country. The diversity and beauty of its landscapes have been preserved not only in its protected areas but in a large part of the territory. Visitors can enjoy natural spaces and ecosystems located very near urban centres and cities. In the Basque Country, nature is just a stone's throw away from civilization.

Protection and conservation

The Basque Country has nine natural parks, five protected biotopes and a biosphere reserve, Urdaibai, where the cliffs and beaches of the coast and the reserve's woods, wetlands and inland rivers make up the greatest diversity of landscapes and ecological resources in our territory. In total, 14% of the surface area of the Basque Country is protected in accordance with one of these schemes (above the European average of 12.3%). Additionally, a technical design proposal has been drawn up for a network of ecological corridors to ensure the viability of the populations of flora and fauna of the Basque Country. On the other hand, it is interesting to note that more than 20% of the surface area of the Basque Country is included in the European Natura 2000 network.

Sea, rivers, coastline and beaches

The 252 km of Basque coastline is one of the most important tourist destinations thanks to the natural beauty of its surroundings, where beaches of fine sand are interspersed with steep cliffs, river estuaries and a number of wetlands and marshes of great ecological interest. Inland, you can discover a large number of recreational and leisure areas by rivers and reservoirs, some of which represent veritable inland seas which are bound to surprise you. The Cantabrian sea is home to a large number of marine mammals and one can see a wide variety of cetaceans (dolphins, fin whales, sperm whales, etc.) during the voyage of the Bilbao-Portsmouth ferry, which offers crash courses on marine fauna.

ESS Bilbao Initiative Workshop. TALKS (Part XVIII)

SNS Studies towards a rotating solid target

Talk of Thomas McManamy from SNS in ESS-Bilbao Initiative Workshop 2009.

You can download the slides HERE

ESS Bilbao Initiative Workshop. TALKS (Part XVII)

Pulse forming devices for high duty factor operation
Talk of Richard E. Cassel from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in ESS-Bilbao Initiative Workshop 2009.

You can download the slides HERE

ESS Bilbao Initiative Workshop. TALKS (Part XVI)

The CSNS rotating target concept and test programme

Talk of Xuejun Jia from CSNS (Chinese Academy of Sciences ) in ESS-Bilbao Initiative Workshop 2009.

You can download the slides HERE

ESS Bilbao Initiative Workshop. TALKS (Part XV)

Spokes vs. Elliptical cavities for medium-high energy

Talk of Sébastien Bousson from IPN Orsay in ESS-Bilbao Initiative Workshop 2009.

You can download the slides HERE

Applications of ESS. NANOPARTICLES

Since some years ago, the nanomaterials and nanoscience is the "new wave" in science. The interesting in this subject is provided by the extrange behaviour of the physics in this size. Things like corpuscle-wave duality, tunneling effect, uncertainty principle and so on are lately very common in amazing news about science. The real interest in this science, in this nanoparticles that behave in such a way, is that we could controlate the materials in a very precise way. We could be able to create magnetic nanoparticles who go to an specifically part of the body (a sick part, like tumor) carried there by a vector (biologic marker), and then, observe exactly where is the sickness, how is it, and maybe destroy it with magnetic fields.

Therefore, is very important to unveil the real structure and composition of materials made of nanoparticles, like the thickness of a nanostructure layer of a semiconductor (in order to make a led, for example). Neutrons suffer both elastic scattering and inelastic scattering with the nucleus. With the first, we can uncover the arrangement and the degree of order in the solid. With the latter, we can understand the movements and difussion inside the nanostructure. But another characteristic of the neutrons is the magnetic moment (represented by the spin). This magnetic moment can interact with the magnetic moment of the particles we are studying, providing information about its magnetics domains, polarization and so on. Very interesting properties to develop magnetic devices.

The small angle neutron scattering (SANS), in wich the detectors are far from the sample to study, and therefore the detection is in small angle, is very used to detect nanoparticles in some sample. This SANS studies in magnetic materials have been used to detect the core and the shell nanoparticles structure in ferrofluids, to analyze coercivity in magnetics alloys and magnetic correlations with the external field.

Also in inelastic experiments, neutrons are revealing interesting (but yet scarce) results in subjects like acoustic phonons in solid state, variations in the propagation of magnetic waves (spin waves) produced by temperature changes,... This experiments also provides the possibility to achieve interesting results is the spin neutron ecco.

This is just a simple overview on neutron scattering experiments, but it's clear neutron techniques are essential nowadays, because allow us to investigate and unveil the core composition and shell structure of nanomaterials, with incredible applications at present days. The ESS facility will provide a powerful installations to improve knowledge and growing of nanoparticles and nanoscience, avoiding some difficulties present now in this subjects.

The INNOVATION is the way to leave the CRISIS behind

New published by "El Economista" newspaper. You can access the whole information HERE.

JUAN TOMÁS HERNANI. New Spanish General Secretary of Innovation

"The model based in science and innovation must substitute to the brick model" says the new Spanish General Secretary of Innovation Juan Tomás Hernani, referring to the Spanish economical model based on the construction industry and which has submerged Spain in the "crisis".

The Spanish Minister of Science and Innovation Cristina Garmendia has created this new General Secretary to design new politic strategies focused in the investment in R&D of the private industry. The new General Secreatry sees the oportunity to escape from the international "Crisis" investing in innovation and specially in Spain.

From the blog we hope the best to Juan Tomás Hernani in his new job. You are welcome.

Applications of ESS-Bilbao. SMART MATERIALS.

Molecule-based magnets.

Ubiquitous magnets, from the very necessary ones in motors, transformers and actuators to the handy souvenirs we stick to our refrigerator door to hold memos and shopping lists, are commonly made from metals, alloys or metallic oxides. Some, like magnetite, are known since more than two thousand years ago others are more recent but all them have become essential to our current way of life. From electricity production to cars, from computers to domestic appliances they are silent albeit fundamental components in almost every aspect of our technologies. As a whole, magnets constitute a multitrillion dollar global industry and generate the second largest cash flow in world economy. About thirty years ago, a new kind of magnets based on molecules was discovered. Instead of being hard, heavy, opaque and insoluble, they can be soft, light, flexible, transparent and soluble. Moreover, molecule-based magnets offer other interesting properties, like the possibility to modify their magnetism using light or that of tuning their properties by minor modifications in their molecular composition. They can also combine several properties, like optical, conducting and magnetic, in a multifunctional material.

Using molecules it is possible to have a magnet without metals and several interesting examples or organic magnets have been discovered. Last but not least, they can be reduced to the size of a single molecule. Accepting that single molecule magnets are not real magnets, they in many ways behave as such, e.g., they have hysteresis cycle and show memory effects. Molecular Magnetism has grown as an important multidisciplinary field in science and is raising strong expectations in the benefit of industry and society. As size can be reduced to the molecular scale they open the way to a new class of information storage materials. Multifunctionality enables materials for opto-magnetic gates, molecular spin valves and molecular spintronics. Under very mild external interactions, like pressure and temperature changes or the presence of water molecules, some molecular magnetic materials abruptly change their spin state making them valuable materials for new kinds of sensors. Indeed, the miniaturised Mössbauer spectrometer MIMOS-II which was part of the instrumental payload of NASA’s Mars explorer rovers “Spirit” and “Opportunity” incorporated a water sensor based on such changing spin materials.

Applications of ESS-Bilbao. SMART MATERIALS.

Structure and Dynamics of Responsive Microgels.

In recent years “smart” materials have been studied in numerous publications and there is growing interest in these systems. Smart material means a material able to respond to tiny changes in the environment changing its dimensions or emitting a signal. One example is constituted by gels formed by a network of interconnected polymer chains immersed in a solvent that swell or shrink in response to minimum changes of temperature, pH or solvent composition. These gels could be used to absorb pollutants, drugs or enzymes that would be released when the gel expands in response to a change in pH or temperature. However, for the gel to expand or contract, the solvent has to diffuse through the polymer network, and this takes time if the gel dimensions are large. By preparing gels of micron size (microgels) the solvent diffusion time reduces to seconds or even milliseconds, which make them attractive systems as switchable materials.

The gel’s thermal response manifests itself in large size variations around a characteristic transition temperature that involves conspicuous changes in the structure and dynamics of the polymer network, which have been studied using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and quasielastic neutron scattering (IQNS) respectively. The suitability of neutrons for these purposes arises from their wavelengths being similar to interatomic distances and their energies being comparable with the energies required for molecular motions. These features allow us to obtain both spatial and temporal information about spatial inhomogenities and molecular motions which is important not only in polymers and gels but also in chemistry and biology. Another important characteristic of neutrons that can be used to great advantage in the study of gels is that isotopes of the same atom may have very different scattering strengths. In particular, hydrogen scatters quite differently from its isotope deuterium. Generally, the gel structure includes a large number of hydrogen atoms in both the polymer network and in the solvent that is commonly water. Thus, by replacing ordinary water with deuterated water is possible to separate in both, SANS and IQNS patterns, the contributions arising from the polymer network and from the solvent.

Basque Country's Main CITIES (PART II)

San Sebastian

Located on the banks of the Cantabrian sea and surrounded by green mountains, San Sebastian offers a myriad of breath-taking views that captivate both its inhabitants and visitors alike. The beautiful bay in the shape of shell (Playa de la Concha) that opens the metropolis to the sea is undoubtedly the most famous image of the city. One of the most interesting places in the city is its old quarter, made up of narrow streets full of bars and restaurants. In terms of historical architecture, San Sebastian has a number of beautiful cathedrals, and the city is especially famous for its conference centre, the Kursaal, the work of Rafael Moneo, the Comb of the Wind, with the sculptures of Eduardo Chillida, etc.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

Thanks to the city's pedestrian precincts and extensive green spaces, the quality of life of the inhabitants of Vitoria-Gasteiz is one of the highest in Europe. The city has the highest percentage of natural spaces of any Spanish city: 20 m2 of green areas per inhabitant. Moreover, Vitoria-Gasteiz is surrounded by a green ring composed by four immense parks of high ecological and landscape value (Olarizu, Armentia, Salburua and Zabalgana), which serve as transition between the urban and the rural environment.

Basque Country's Main CITIES (PART I)

The Basque Country has a lot of picturesque sightseeing famous all over the world. Its castles, small villages and big cities – the most important being Bilbao, San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz - are of special interest. The small size of the region makes it easy to travel trough and the hospitality of its people makes a newcomer feel like home. The principal cities of the Basque Country are an example of sustainable urban development, offering both to its inhabitants and visitors a nice environment with a wide offer of green spaces of public recreation.


BILBAO

Bilbao is one of the most beautiful and modern cities of the Atlantic coast. The city's offer of cultural activities, of the first magnitude, has made Bilbao a focus of international attraction. With the creation of new infrastructures such as the underground and tram, the rehabilitation of numerous buildings, the enlargement of the port, the expansion of the city's green spaces and the birth of the Museum Guggenheim and the Euskalduna Palace, Bilbao has undergone a major transformation over recent years. Although these improvements have made the city more habitable, a great deal of work has also been done to preserve its delightful old part. Architects from all over the world have taken part in efforts to redefine the city, including Santiago Calatrava, Sir Norman Foster, Frank Gehry, Robert Stern, Arata Isozaki, Zaha Hadid, Rob Krier, and Federico Soriano. The Euskalduna Palace, the Zubi-Zuri (White Bridge), the Bilbao underground, the Uribitarte Towers and the Guggenheim Museum are some of the constructions that give to the city its personality, charisma and avant-garde appeal.

WHAT IS AN SPALLATION NEUTRON SOURCE? (III)

What about the target? What kind of conditions are needed for a good result

Image via Wikipedia

in neutron creation? The main characteristic the target material should fulfill is to be a heavy material. It means the material should be made of an element with a high number of nucleons (neutrons + protons) in the nucleus. This characteristic causes when the protons beat the nuclei, a large amount of neutrons can be ejected out. That's the aim we pursue.

At present, ESS-Bilbao is working on develop both target options, in collaboration with SNS. The objetive is to compare both options, in order to decide wich choice is the most efficient, wich has least maintenance, lifetime... and so on.

We will speak about the differents advantages and disadvantages of each target option soon.

Culture, leisure and sports in the Basque Country (PART II)

Culture

The Basque Country is especially famous for its offer of cultural activities. The San Sebastian Film Festival, Vitoria Jazz Festival, the Artium Museum in Vitoria, the Fine Arts museum in San Sebastian and Guggenheim museum of Bilbao, with its outstanding modern architecture, are a few of the huge number of cultural choices.

Cooking is deeply rooted in Basque culture: the area has produced world-renowned chefs and schools that have revolutionized the concept of fine cuisine. The Basque Country has one of the highest concentrations of haute cuisine restaurants in the world, and there is a host of small restaurants that serve traditional recipes in uniquely attractive settings ("pintxos").

Sports

The Basque people are very fond of sports. The mountainous relief of the region, the proximity of the sea, its forests and the natural beauty of the environment determine the character of its people and make the Basque Country a perfect place for the practice of diverse range of sporting activities. The most popular sports in this region include mountaineering, surfing, sailing, swimming, hiking, climbing, handball, tennis, hockey, soccer, rugby, basketball, golf, etc.

Culture, leisure and sports in the Basque Country (PART I)

The Basque Country -or Euskadi as it called by the locals one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is famous for its culture, architecture, gastronomy, leisure and sports and its wonderful natural spaces. The country has an unforgettable miscellany of traditional and modern life and offers a wide range of tourist activities. Visitors can enjoy its museums and concerts, take a walk in its beautiful natural parks and beaches, practice different types of sports and enjoy its exquisite cuisine. The Basque Country offers modern innovative infrastructures but at the same time it retains the charm of its traditional culture.

Due to its privileged geographical position and the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the Basque Country enjoys a moderate, gentle climate. The average annual temperature is about 14.3ºC, the region has 11 days of frost and 2 of snow a year and 132 hours of sunshine per month. The mean minimum temperature is 4.7ºC (January) and mean maximum temperature is 25.5ºC (August), however in the summer months the temperature can reach more than 30ºC. The mean rainfall in winter is about 129 mm and the mean rainfall in summer is about 70 mm per month.

Scientific enviroment in the Basque Country

Decisive steps have been taken to transform the Basque Country into an example of innovation in Europe. The Basque Science, Technology and Innovation System has been promoted to combine the efforts of all public and private entities that encourage the use of Science Technology and Innovation to improve business competitiveness. The Basque Country has organized its research around eight spheres of knowledge that are closely linked with its business and social fabric. Together they make up a point of reference in Europe, and participating actively in the construction of the European research space, the leading international consortia at the highest level.

Knowledge communities embrace, in fact, all of the organizations and institutional agents that carry out activities designed to generate and disseminate knowledge that serves as the basis for the processes of social and commercial innovation,and is the driving force behind economic development. The basis of a successful science, technology, and innovation system is a well-formed critical mass. The Basque System offers highly qualified jobs in different disciplines, both in the pubic and private sectors. The research and technology carried out are founded on collaboration and cooperation and are organized in the so-called knowledge communities, which generate new types of innovation.

Today, the Basque Country has the most extensive network of science and technology agents in the Spanish state, with more than 12,500 researchers and backup staff; an interconnected network of more than 90 entities between technology and sector centers, laboratories, business units, universities, and around technological scientific knowledge communities-understood as multipartite spheres of cooperation consisting of local groups both in universities and in research centers and industry. These communities focus on the following disciplines: biosciences, nanosciences, materials, neutron sciences, energy, manufacturing, information sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Of special relevance are the 18 technology centers that carry out technological development activities of an industrial, pluri-technology, and pluri-sector nature; knowledge generation work and training; and the dissemination of their own technologies, not only for their associate members or collaborators but also for any entity.

Moreover, in the region there are a number of Cooperative Research Centres (CIC), multi-partite cooperation platforms engaged in the medium-to-long term development of capabilities in strategic areas of research for the Basque Community. Universities, together with the technology centers, participate in the configuration of the CICs, which constitute the Basque Country's new scientific competences in emerging niches. The companies themselves participate directly in the managing bodies of most of the technological research and development centers. It is also possible to find three Basque Excellence Research Renters (BERC): Basque Centre for Climate Change, Basque Centre for Applied Mathematics (BCAM) and Basque Centre on Cognition Brain and Language (BCBL).

ESS BILBAO CLOUD: Neutrons reveal all

ESS Bilbao would like to initiate an important communication exercise to transmit and share with the society why “neutron sources for science”, and in particular the ESS, are essential to maintain and increase our quality of life. Therefore thus, in our opinion an additional effort to popularize the scientific case, using language adapted for the general public with the ability to penetrate the present society is necessary.

For this reason, the ESS-Bilbao Consortium asked the neutron scattering Spanish scientists to lead this task, counting on the participation of some international neutron scattering specialists, to join each subject. This is the first, but not the last, task action planned with respect to the popularization objectives.